Israeli Politics Stalled; Time to Include Arab Parties, Says Rabbi
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Dr. Nachman Shai, speaking at a rabbi ordination ceremony, called for an end to Israel's political deadlock and proposed the inclusion of Arab parties in government coalitions. He argued that this would fulfill the promise of equality in the Declaration of Independence and foster shared citizenship. Shai urged leaders to prioritize the nation's long-term interests and for the new rabbis to act as a unifying force in a divided society.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dr. Nachman Shai called for the permanent inclusion of Arab parties in Israeli government coalitions.
- He stated that Israel's political stalemate cannot be a permanent state due to national challenges.
- Shai emphasized that a Jewish state must also be democratic and include all citizens.
- He cited the Declaration of Independence's promise of equality for all citizens.
- The rabbi urged new rabbis to act as a unifying force in a divided Israeli society.
Dr. Nachman Shai, speaking at a recent ordination ceremony for rabbis at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, urged leaders to make difficult, unpopular decisions and to break political deadlock. He emphasized that Israel's political stalemate, following recent elections that did not yield a clear majority, cannot be a permanent state given the nation's security, economic, and social challenges. Shai called for leadership that prioritizes the country's long-term interests over short-term public opinion.
Shai argued that to truly embody Israel as a "Jewish and democratic state," these two components must be seen as complementary, not contradictory. A Jewish state, he explained, is not merely a state with a Jewish majority but one grounded in Jewish traditions of justice, responsibility, and partnership. A democratic state, in turn, requires every citizen to feel part of the political system and the shared future.
He proposed that it is time to courageously consider the permanent inclusion of Arab parties in Israeli government coalitions, not as a gesture or temporary fix, but as an expression of shared citizenship. Citing the Declaration of Independence's promise of complete equality for all citizens regardless of religion, race, or gender, Shai noted that nearly two million Arab citizens are integral to Israeli society and should not be permanently excluded from national decision-making.
Shai acknowledged that political partnership requires mutual responsibility, adherence to democratic rules, commitment to the state, and a focus on common ground. He contrasted the current cycle of boycotts and deadlock with an alternative path of responsibility, civic partnership, and brave leadership, suggesting that historical decisions are made by leaders willing to look beyond immediate political horizons.
Addressing the newly ordained rabbis, Shai stressed their role in connecting divided segments of Israeli society, building bridges, and fostering partnership. He highlighted the Reform movement's teachings that Judaism involves shaping the future, emphasizing the belief in human dignity, social justice, gender equality, and expanding responsibility. He urged them to remind Israeli society that deep Jewish identity and openness to others, fervent Zionism and commitment to civil equality, and love for Israel can coexist with demands for its moral vision to be realized.
